Eagle Rock is home to a pair of Verreaux’s Eagles with their nest located on the cliffs of the Olifants river gorge.
The photos below were taken over two successive days from the viewpoint on the Estate that overlooks their nest. During this time, there was also an interaction where one Verreaux’s Eagle chased away a Fish Eagle that was flying in the general area of the nest; unfortunately images of this were not captured. The images are in chronological order and were taken using a Nikon Z8 camera with a Nikkor Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S lens. Click on an image to view it in full size.
2 September, 10:53: A parent brings prey (a mongoose?) back to the nest.2 September, 10:56: Lanner Falcons also live on the cliffs and at times they harass the eagles. The eagles have to somersault while flying so that their talons can face the falcon in attempt to catch it but the falcons are too acrobatic and quick for the eagles.2 September, 15:32: A Lanner Falcon on the cliffside.3 September, 8:38: The chick waits patiently on the nest.3 September, 8:41: An adult Verreaux’s Eagle flying close to the nest.3 September, 8:41: The same eagle flying towards the nest, and about two minutes later a Lanner Falcon dives down onto it.3 September, 8:42: While flying, the eagles often have to keep an eye out above and behind them for the falcons.3 September, 9:14: An adult was returning to the nest with the carcass of an Egyptian Goose when it was harassed by a Lanner Falcon. With the Olifants river in the background, the eagle does a mid-air somersault so that it can face the falcon, which is just out of frame on the top right.3 September, 9:14 – 8 seconds later: The eagle lands on the next with the prey and the falcon continues its harassment.3 September; 9:16: The eagle flies off to chase the falcon, but the falcon is undeterred and continues its harassment. The eagle turns upside down in an attempt to catch the falcon.3 September, 9:54: The chick feeds on the carcass of the Egyptian Goose.
